Bowler&#39;s finger pad with finger spacing members



Aug. 27, 1968 J, DISKQ 3,398,951

BOWLERS FINGER FAD WITH FINGER SPACING MEMBERS Filed March 8, 1965 1 N VEN TOR.

,fae Dis/(o lffor/zgys United States Patent 3,398,951 BOWLERS FINGER PAD WITH FINGER SPACING MEMBERS Joe Disko, 3400 Clairmont Ave., Apt. 108, Birmingham, Ala. 35222 Filed Mar. 8, 1965, Ser. No. 437,915 Claims. (Cl. 273-54) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A bowling device comprising a pad of a length in one direction to extend transversely of and span only the second and third fingers of a bowler and of a length in another direction less than the length of said second and third fingers to position the pad intermediate the first and third joints of the second and third fingers. The thickness of the pad is tapered transversely toward the index finger and finger engaging members are carried by the pad to retain the fingers at spaced positions.

This invention relates to a bowling device and has for an object the provision of such a device which shall maintain the fingers of the bowler a predetermined and equal distance apart, thereby preventing the bowler from turning the ball improperly prior to and at the time of release.

Another object of my invention is to provide a bowling device which shall include improved means for filling the void defined between the fingers of the bowler and the bowling ball while the ball is gripped, thereby substantially eliminating the chances of the wrist breaking during delivery of the ball and at the same time compensating for any break in the wrist, thus assuring that the ball is turning in the proper direction when it leaves the hand.

Another object of my invention is to provide a bowling device of the character designated in which the overall thickness of the device and the fingers is substantially equal from one end of the device to the other, thus assuring proper release of the ball and preventing skinned knuckles and what is commonly called bowlers thumb.

A more specific object of my invention is to provide a bowling device of the character designated which greatly improves the timing of the bowler whereby upon release of the ball, the arm is moving in a straight path rather than in a curved erratic path. That is, the arm does not pull the bowler from one side to the other, thus maintaining the body in correct position facing the pins at the time of release.

Another object of my invention is to provide a bowling device of the character designated which prevents movement of the fingers inwardly or outwardly of the ball prior to release, thus eliminating slipping fingers and accidental dropping of the ball.

A further object of my invention is to provide a bowling device of the character designated which causes the ball to work the same at all times due to the fact that it maintains the elbow and hand of the bowler behind the ball.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a bowling device of the character designated which shall be simple and economical of manufacture and one which is adapted to fit all grips, conventional or modified.

A bowling device embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmental view showing the inside of a bowlers hand with the device attached thereto and adapted for use with a fingertip grip;

3,398,951 Patented Aug. 27, 1968 FIG. 2 is a fragmental, sectional view taken generally along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the device attached to the hand for use with a conventional grip; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 but showing a modified form of my invention wherein the loops at the side of the pad are eliminated.

Referring now to the drawing for a better understanding of my invention, my improved device comprises an elongated pad 10 which comprises an inner portion 11 formed of a resilient material, such as hard rubber. The inner portion is covered by a suitable outer covering 12 which may be formed of leather, fabric or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the pad 10 is of a length to span the second and third fingers of the bowlers hand indicated generally at H. The portion of the pad 10 nearest the ends of the fingers of the bowler extends in a generally straight line as at 13 while the opposite edge is curved as at 14 to accommodate the adjacent portion of the palm of the hand.

Extending the length of the pad 10 and secured thereto by suitable means, such as by sewing at 16 is a strap 17 formed of a suitable resilient material. The length of the strap 17 between the stitched portions 16 is greater than the distance between the stitched portions whereby strap sections 18 are provided for receiving the second and third fingers of the bowler, as shown. The strap 17 extends outwardly of each end of the pad 10 and is folded over on itself to provide loops 19 and 21 for receiving the first and fourth fingers, respectively, of the bowler. The ends of the loops 19 and 21 are secured in place by the stitches 16, as shown in FIG. 3.

The thickness of the pad 10 tapers toward the end thereof which is disposed to be nearest the index finger of the bowler whereby the combined thickness of the pad and the fingers of the bowler is substantially equal from one end of the pad to the other. Accordingly, this construction not only fills up the void defined between the fingers of the bowler and the ball while the fingers are in gripping position, but the outer surfaces of the fingers are spaced substantially the same distance from the ball.

From the foregoing description, the operation of the bowling device shown in FIGS. 14 will be readily understood. In FIG. 1 of the drawing, the device is shown positioned on the hand of the bowler for a fingertip grip. That is, the outer edge 13 of the pad 10 is adjacent the first joints of the fingers whereby only the fingertips can be inserted in the ball openings. In FIG. 4 of the drawing, the device is shown in position for the conventional type grip whereby a substantial portion of the fingers are inserted in the ball. With either grip, the fingers are inserted Within the strap sections 18 and the loop members 19 and 21 whereby the curved edge 14 is positioned adjacent the palm of a hand H. The pad 10 thus maintains all of the fingers in equally spaced relation to each other whereby the hand is not turned improperly during delivery. The inner surface of the pad 10 engages the fingers between the first and third joints, as shown in FIG. 2, whereby the void defined between the fingers and the bowling ball is filled. That is, while the ball is gripped by the fingers, the fingers are generally in the position shown in FIG. 2 to define a void between the first joint of the fingers and the adjacent portion of the palm of the hand H.

In FIG. 5 of the drawing, I show a slightly modified form of my invention in which a pad 10, as described hereinabove, is provided. That is, the pad 10 is tapered toward the index finger and is provided with an inner resilient portion 11 and an outer covering 12. A strap 17 is secured to the outer surface of the pad 10 by stitching as at 16 to define strap sections 18 between the stitched portion 16 as shown. In this embodiment of my invention, I eliminate the outer loop members 19 and 21 whereby :the outer edges of the pad 10 constitute the sole means of positioning the first and fourth fingers of the hand. That is to say, the strap sections 18 hold the second and third fingers in equally spaced relation to each other while the ends of the pad 10 indicate the correct position of the first and fourth fingers.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have devised an improved bowling device which maintains the fingers of the bowler in predetermined spaced relation to each other at all times. Also, by filling the void inwardly of the fingertips, between the fingers and the bowling ball, together with the equal spacing between the fingers, the timing of the bowler is greatly improved whereby the arm is moving in a straight path during release of the ball rather than in an erratic path. Also, by providing a pad in which the overall thickness of the fingers and the pad is equal from end to end of the pad, the outer surfaces of the fingers are all spaced equal distances from the ball thus assuring further proper release of the ball. Furthermore, where my improved bowling device is employed, the body of the bowler does not turn away from the pins at the time of release and at the same time the elbow and hand are behind the ball, thus assuring that the ball Works the same at all times. In actual practice, I have found that by employing my improved device, my frequency in strikes as almost doubled.

While I have shown my invention in two forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a bowling device for attachment to the fingers of a bowler:

(a) a pad of a length in one direction to extend transversely of and span only the second and third fingers of a bowler and of a length in another direction less than the length of the second and third fingers of a bowler to position the pad intermediate the first and third joints of said second and third fingers,

(b) the thickness of said pad being tapered transversely toward the end thereof which is disposed nearest the index finger of a bowler so that the combined thickness of the pad and the fingers of a bowler is substantially equal throughout the transverse length of the pad and said pad substantially fills the void defined between the second and third fingers and a bowling ball upon gripping the ball, and

(c) transversely spaced finger engaging members carried by said pad and disposed to retain the fingers at predetermined spaced positions relative to each. other.

2. In a bowling device as defined in claim 1 in which the finger engaging members comprise:

(a) a strap extending across said pad in position to receive said second and third fingers, and

(b) means attaching said strap to said pad at transversely spaced intervals defining separate strap sections which engage and hold the fingers at spaced positions relative to each other.

3. A bowling device as defined in claim 2 in which the strap is formed of a resilient material and is attached to said pad by stitching at spaced intervals.

4. A bowling device as defined in claim 2 in which two of said strap sections are provided in position to receive the second and third fingers of a hand and loop-like straps are secured to the pad at opposite sides of said two strap sections in position to receive the first and fourth fingers of a hand.

5. A bowling device as defined in claim 2 in which edge of the pad nearest the palm of the hand of the bowler is curved inwardly toward the center of the pad.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,025,748 5/1912 Jones 27328 1,887,278 11/1932 Auster 2-20 2,858,542 11/1958 Ogg 2161 3,091,455 5/1963 De Mire 27354 3,098,654 7/1963 Larsen 27354 3,224,012 12/1965 Harnm 27354 X 3,262,702 7/ 1966 Kovacs 27354 ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner. 

